How CineDrones Helped Pioneer Aerial Cinematography in Hollywood

Founded in 2013, built through grit, and still grinding toward what’s next.

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when a camera moves the way your imagination does. For years, that kind of movement was expensive, complex, and limited. Helicopters were loud. Cranes were slow. And many shots simply weren’t possible without massive budgets.

Then drones changed everything.

In 2013, I founded CineDrones with a simple mission: bring cinematic aerial storytelling to the screen in a safer, smarter, more accessible way. Not as a gimmick. Not as a toy. As a real filmmaking tool that could deliver studio-level visuals under real production pressure.

That mission turned into a decade-plus grind—and a company that became a recognized name in Hollywood aerial cinematography.

The early days: building something that didn’t fully exist yet

When CineDrones began, “drone cinematography” wasn’t what it is today. Standards were still forming. Production teams were curious, but cautious. The learning curve was steep, and the expectations were brutal: if you’re going to be near talent, near sets, and near expensive gear, you don’t get to be “pretty good.” You have to be locked in.

So I built CineDrones the way you build any real production company:

• By obsessing over reliability
• By earning trust one shoot at a time
• By treating safety and precision as part of the art
• By showing up early, staying late, and delivering consistently

The result was momentum. Projects stacked. Relationships grew. And over time, CineDrones scaled into one of the leading drone cinematography teams in the Hollywood ecosystem.

What made CineDrones different

A lot of companies can fly a drone. Fewer can tell a story with one.

From day one, CineDrones was built on the belief that aerial work should feel like real cinema, not just “cool footage.” That means understanding the full language of film: composition, movement, timing, emotion, and the story purpose of a shot.

That’s the difference between capturing an image and creating a moment.

The grind nobody sees

Most people only see the highlight reel.

They don’t see:

• the gear prep
• the constant training
• the near-misses you prevent through planning
• the endless logistics
• the pressure of getting the shot when there is no second chance

Building CineDrones wasn’t a straight line. It was years of learning, refining, and pushing to stay ahead—because in Hollywood, your reputation travels faster than your marketing.

The slowdown: setbacks don’t end the story

The past few years have been tough on the entertainment world. When Hollywood slows down, it impacts everyone—from crew to vendors to entire production ecosystems.

And yes, that slowdown hit hard.

But here’s the part that matters: setbacks don’t erase what you built. They refine it. They force evolution. They test whether the mission was real—or just convenient.

I’m still here. Still building. Still grinding.

Because I believe in the comeback, and I believe the next era of entertainment will reward the teams that stayed sharp when things got quiet.

What’s next: expanding the scope without losing the soul

CineDrones will always be rooted in cinematic aerial storytelling. That’s the core. That’s the identity.

But the future also means expanding intelligently—offering more ways to bring light, movement, and spectacle to audiences and brands.

That includes growth into:

• consulting for drone-related businesses
• drone light shows
• wearable LED technologies for live audiences
• broader event and experiential applications

The same principle applies: do it at a premium level, deliver reliably, and make it feel like cinema.

Why I’m optimistic about the future of aerial and live entertainment

Hollywood always changes. Tools evolve. Platforms shift. Budgets rise and fall. But one thing stays constant: people want to feel something.

They want spectacle. Emotion. Awe. A reason to look up and say, “That was insane.”

Aerial cinematography and live entertainment technologies are only becoming more important because attention is the most valuable currency in the world. The teams that can deliver unforgettable visual moments will always have a lane.

That’s why I’m excited.

Not because it’s easy. Because I know what it takes.

Final word

CineDrones started in 2013 with a vision: bring cinematic aerial storytelling to Hollywood with the professionalism and reliability that real productions demand.

That vision built a company, a reputation, and a body of work I’m proud of.

The industry has taken some punches lately. So have I.

But the story isn’t over. It’s just shifting into its next chapter.

And if you’re reading this: I’m still here. Still grinding. Still building what’s next.

Suggested internal links (add these as hyperlinks on your site)

• Link to your Contact page with anchor text: “Contact CineDrones”
• Link to your Services page with anchor text: “Aerial Cinematography Services”
• Link to your Consulting page with anchor text: “Drone Consulting Services”
• Link to your Drone Light Shows page with anchor text: “Drone Light Shows”

FAQ (for SEO)

When was CineDrones founded?

CineDrones was founded in 2013 by Mike Fortin to deliver cinematic aerial storytelling for professional productions.

What is aerial cinematography?

Aerial cinematography is the art of capturing cinematic video from the air, using controlled movement, composition, and storytelling to support the scene and the larger narrative.

Is CineDrones still operating during the Hollywood slowdown?

Yes. CineDrones continues building, evolving, and expanding services while staying ready for the industry’s return.

What services is CineDrones expanding into?

In addition to aerial cinematography, CineDrones is expanding into drone consulting, drone light shows, and wearable LED technology for live entertainment experiences.